Exeuntes, a Story Based on Final Fantasy XV

Chapter XXIV: Escalation, Part IV

An Introductory Note:

This is the fifth of six chapters that I have decided to add since editing this story. I know it has been a while since I last updated but I kept my promise, didn't I? Here's the long-overdue part, hope you enjoy it!

Song for this chapter:

38. Gymnopédie No. 1 by Erik Satie

Pictured:

The Tenebraean Capital District within the Imperial Province of Tenebrae. Fenestala Manor is the tall building in the center.

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Bzztttttttttt. Da-da-dun!

Rhea quickly grabs her phone out of her pocket and checks it:

BREAKING NEWS: Parliament now stands dissolved as ordered by the Royal Council. Newly-elected President of the Council Monica Elshett expected to make official remarks shortly. Check the LBC app for live updates.

She looks up to see the Crownsguard soldiers waiting for them, helping Grand Duchess Caelia and Governor Maximillian onto the trains. Realizing she is the only one left, Rhea runs and boards the train as a soldier presses a button to close the doors.

"I doubt we will be able to reach the station in time before the emperor switches the trains off. Be prepared to walk or swim," Caelia informs them. She turns to Rhea and Maximillian, "You two can swim, yes?"

Both of them nod. She breathes a sigh of relief, "I am glad to hear that. We may have to run as well if they attempt to pursue us. I know a few alternative paths should they need to be used."

"You mean shortcuts?" Rhea asks, managing to smile at the grand duchess's use of words.

She returns it, "Yes, thank you. That was the word... I seem to be forgetting some of my Lucian."

Five minutes pass without any words being exchanged as the passengers anxiously watch for any signs that something may go wrong. Surprisingly, they arrive at the station uninterrupted.

"Strange. I expected the train to surely be stopped," Caelia admits, "Stay on guard. They could be here."

She's right. A mix of Imperial infantry and Magitek troopers emerge from the station's entrance and surround them immediately, pointing their weapons at the group.

A man wearing a fedora emerges in the middle, wearing his characteristic smile, "My, my... Governor Snitker and Grand Duchess Caelia! What a pleasant surprise. Can I interest you both in a meal?"

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"Found it. Inform the other teams."

Libertus nods as he activates his earpiece, "All teams. Royal Team is ready for further orders."

"Copied. Indigo Team, rendezvous with Royal Team. And Indigo Team Leader?" Cor asks, still waiting outside the manor with the rest of Sierra Team.

"Yes?" Nyx replies, keeping his voice low.

"Lose the disguise. Exit the bedroom through the secondary exit. The one through the bathroom and out into the internal hallway. Royal Team should be through the door nearest to the main hallway."

"Roger. Door closest to main hallway. Discarding disguise now."

Static rings through their transmissions before another voice chimes in, "This is Noble Team Leader. Change of plans, we need Royal Team in the dining hall for a meeting with the governor," Gladiolus says, also keeping his voice quiet.